Still Struggling with getting my tank to cycle

[Arwai]

So I'm back again and super discouraged. Still trying to cycle my tank. Went out of town and came back to what I think is algae. Pics are attached. My numbers on 8/19/17 were as follows:
ammonia 1ppm
nitrite 0 ppm
nitrate 80

I dosed it back up to 4 ppm. I'm just seeking feedback or do I need to just give up? Also I've started using Thrive as liquid fertilizer for my plants. Tank is 30 gallons and I've been trying to cycle for two months.

 

[Autumnsky]

Is it the brownish parts, likely diatoms. A common occurrence in newish tanks. Can't see it too well.